Archery Supplies Direct - Archery Guidance

Choosing the correct equipment:

Selecting the correct archery equipment can be perplexing for anyone who is new to the sport. ASD have put together some useful advice and tips that we are confident, will enable you in choosing the correct equipment needed.

Determine your draw length:

The first thing to do when choosing the correct bow is to determine your draw length. This can be done in two simple steps.

Measure your arm span

Divide by 2.5

Example: Arm Span = 60”

60” ÷ 2.5 = 24” Draw Length

Determine the proper bow size:

The bow Must be properly sized for the archer or the experience will be wasted and certainly not enjoyable.

To select a Recurve Bow that will be suitable for you, please see our recommended chart below:

Draw Length

Bow Size

14 – 16”

48"

17 – 20”

54"

20 – 22”

58"

22 – 24”

62"

24 – 26”

64"

26 – 28”

66"

28 – 30”

68"

30 - +”

70"

Note: Always round the calculated draw length up to the nearest 1/2” for recurve bows. It is much better to shoot a longer bow than one that is too short.

Determine your draw weight:

Ideally this is best done in store or at a club. However you can also see our chart below, please note this is only a recommendation but if you do find that the limbs you have don't suit then please let us know and we will allow you to change these, as long as they are still in NEW condition.

Recurve Bow Chart:

Youth Aged 8 - 10

8 – 12 Lbs

Youth Aged 11 – 14

10 – 16 Lbs

Teen Aged 14 – 17

12 – 18 Lbs

Young Adult Aged 17 – 20

18 – 20 Lbs

Adult Women

16 – 26 Lbs

Adult Men

22 – 32 Lbs

Compound Bow Chart:

Youth Aged 8 - 12

10 – 16 Lbs

Teens Aged 12 - 14

14 – 22 Lbs

Older Teen Aged 15 - 18

22 – 28 Lbs

Adult Women

24 – 36 Lbs

Adult Man

40 – 60 Lbs

Adults with above average strength

60 – 75 Lbs

Please note: If you choose a draw weight which is too heavy you wont be able to learn or enjoy the sport. Also remember you need to be consistent, yes you may be able to pull back a strong bow once or twice but can you do it consistently throughout the day.

Should I shoot with my Right or Left Hand:

This is determined on your dominant eye, an archer that uses their dominate eye has a much greater advantage.
If you have Right eye dominance then you will need a Right handed bow or if you have Left eye dominance then you will require a Left handed bow.
The simplest way to test your eye dominance is with the miles test. This can be done by using the following method -

Extend your arms out in front of you at eye level with your palms facing away from you.

Bring your hands together forming a small V Shaped hole or view window by overlapping your thumbs and fingers.

Select a small object at least 10ft in front of you and look at it with both eyes through the hole in your hands.

While remaining focused on the object now slowly draw your hands closer to you. When you have drawn hands back to your face the view window will be placed over one eye or the other. This will be your dominate eye.

Please note: If you have Right eye dominance and will need a Right handed bow, this means you will hold the bow with your Left Hand and pull the String back with your Right Hand

Nocking an Arrow:

Nock the arrow and listen for the snap as the arrow connects to the string. Index vane ( odd colour vane ) should be facing AWAY from the bow. See image below.

Stance & Posture:

Right handed archers hold the bow with their left hand, so with your left side toward the target, stand at a right angle to the target, with the tips of your toes against an imaginary line pointing at the centre of the target. Your feet should be shoulders width apart, straddling the shooting line.